Senior Flight Dynamics & Avionics Engineer

4w1 month ago

Airbus

US · Full-time · $120,000 – $160,000

About this role

We are seeking a Senior Flight Dynamics & Avionics Engineer to serve as a hands-on technical authority for our advanced UAV platforms. This role bridges aerodynamics, embedded software, and real flight behavior to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable aircraft operations. You will be at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge avionics with flight dynamics.

You will analyze and model UAV flight mechanics including aerodynamic forces, stability, and control response. Additionally, you will correlate flight test data with models to validate system behavior and support flight envelope expansion. Performance metrics such as endurance and climb rate are refined to optimize mission outcomes.

Join the Airbus Helicopters Flexrotor Program, which offers a sophisticated small tactical unmanned aerial system with VTOL capability. Our workplace is nestled in the spectacular Columbia River Gorge in Bingen, WA, providing a unique blend of innovation and natural beauty. You will contribute to game-changing solutions for ISTAR missions on land and at sea.

As a senior engineer, you will have the opportunity to spread your wings and solve complex challenges. You'll be part of a cohesive crew that thrives on innovation, celebrating victories together while driving the future of UAV technology. The role offers the chance to develop advanced avionics and flight control systems that directly impact defense capabilities.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
Proven experience in flight dynamics modeling, stability analysis, and control system design for UAVs or aircraft.
Proficiency in simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, and programming languages like C/C++ or Python.
Hands-on experience with flight test data analysis and correlation with models.
Strong understanding of avionics architectures, sensors (GPS, IMU, air data), and embedded systems.
Familiarity with VTOL aircraft dynamics and autopilot development.
Knowledge of aerospace certification standards and safety-critical systems.

Responsibilities

Analyze and model UAV flight mechanics, including aerodynamic forces, stability, and control response.
Evaluate and refine flight performance metrics such as endurance, climb rate, turn capability, and control authority.
Correlate flight test data with aerodynamic and performance models to validate system behavior and identify discrepancies.
Support flight envelope expansion, ensuring aircraft operate safely within aerodynamic and structural limits.
Contribute to defining and verifying performance requirements and mission-level objectives.
Design and integrate avionics systems to enable autonomous flight and sensor payload operations.
Develop and test flight control algorithms for VTOL transition, navigation, and mission execution.

Benefits

Competitive base salary with incentive compensation including profit sharing and employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).
Retirement savings plan to support long-term financial goals.
Generous paid time off including personal time, holidays, and parental leave.
Comprehensive health and welfare coverage: medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).